Top 3 Uses of Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis) – the cooking, the wishing, and the lore

Top 3 Uses of Bay Leaf

Laurus nobilis of Lauraceae

One of the more useful and astonishing herbs used frequently in modern day history is the humble Bay leaf. This evergreen shrub if often described as a small tree of the Lauraceae family. The aroma the herb gives to dishes it is used in is superb, not to mention how much it packs to the meal’s flavor. No wonder bay leaf is an indispensable ingredient in Mediterranean and European cuisine adding flavor in soups, stew, pickles, sauces, stocks, vegetables, and marinating meat. You may also find bay leaf used in soaps, detergents, and cosmetics. This herb is exceptional for its number of health benefits when applied to a number of common ailments. Let us uncover some of this ancient herb’s lore in order to gain insight into its ubiquitous use and praise.

History

Bay leaves were astrologically significant to many ancient people. Believed to be the tree of the sun under the sublime sign of Leo, the Greeks and Romans thought the herb epitomized peace, wisdom, and protection. Bay leaves are indigenous to the Mediterranean region and have been refined in its use since recorded history. Trade routes carried the bay leaf tree across the sea over many regions from the Mediterranean and finally to the New World. The tree flourishes in Mediterranean climates and will not tolerate cold temperatures. The closest original variety of bay leaf comes from the Laurus nobilis tree which originates in Mediterranean. The European settlers named treats made from the herb pepperwood for its menthol-like aroma.

This iconic herb was widely used in Roman times as it exemplified greatness and victory. It was used to crown the emperor as well as writers and poets. Roman generals crowned themselves with bay leaves when they arrived home from a triumphant battle. On the other hand, soldiers added bay leaves to their baths to alleviate injuries and fatigue. In theological times during the Middle Ages, bay leaves were correlated with goodness and a protection against evil.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Magnoliophyta
Clade: Magnoliopsida
Order: Laurales
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Laurus
Species: L. nobilis
Binomial Name: Laurus nobilis

Lore

In classical folklore, bay leaves were associated with the Goddess Daphne’s metamorphosis into the Laurel tree during her quest from Apollo. Daphne was an independent and fairly wild creature who did not wish to give herself to Apollo. She appealed to her father, the river God Adonas to convert her to a bay laurel tree so that she may continue living ever wild. Bay leaves were a primary herb of poets, oracles, statesmen, warriors and physicians. The leaves were made into a garland for interpretations by poets and the ancients used them to crown their heroes.

A piece of traditional practice that has continued on to this day includes – On the first of every month write your goals/interventions/wishes on a bay leaf and burn it. Throw the ashes out of your front door and ask the universe to bring these things to you. The bay laurel is sacred to Apollo, God of prophecy, medicine, and solar energy. Due to this association, the herb is an emblem of wisdom, especially for its known restorative properties. The herb acquired a reputation of protecting against natural and man-made mishaps as clairvoyants and poisoners could not sabotage a person who carries them according to old tales. It was also believed that lightning would not strike where the tree was planted.

Uses

Medicinal

The most notable health perks of bay leaves include their ability to detoxify the body and defend it from bacterial infections. This herb is also known for healing wounds, reduction of yeast infection from Candida, and other antifungal properties. The herb can improve heart health, maintain sugar levels for type 2 diabetics, diminish inflammation, alleviate respiratory issues, inhibit certain types of cancer, and improve digestion. The latter of which is why it was used in so much cuisine in addition to its flavor. Bay leaf oils in animal studies have found to revitalize stomach acids that aid in the breakdown of foods while prohibiting the development of stomach ulcers.
This astonishing herb also has reactive oils that ease arthritis pain. Some individuals administer extracts of bay leaves to their scalp for dandruff relief. These extracts can also be applied to the skin for relief of muscle and joint pain. The reason for these qualities is that the herb is rich in iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, vitamins A and C, and potassium; all of which contribute to the curative properties exhibited.

Bay leaves are also known for their astringent properties, which can be conducive for skin toners as well as prevention of infection and illnesses. In addition, the herb has long been a conventional natural tool for repelling mosquitoes and other bugs and insects. As a repellent, it is most effective when you place leaves in your cabinet or on your floors. You can also insert leaves in your linen closet to clear out bad smells and moths.

Culinary

The remarkable bay leaf has become a traditional seasoning in many dishes around the world. It is conspicuously popular in Asia in Indian, Mediterranean and in many European style dishes. Adobo is a popular dish in the Philippines where the leaves are used to give distinctive flavor and fragrance to the ingredients used. Likewise, one of the main additives in the classic French bouquet garni is this herb. In America, adding bay leaves in stews, soups, steamed, and marinated seafoods is commonly practiced. The herb is a significant ingredient in San Francisco’s renown fish stew “cioppino”.
Across the pond in England, luscious dishes have them in custards and puddings. Bay leaves have a woody, poignant aroma that boosts flavor and smell the longer it cooks. This is in part due to an aromatically volatile compound called estragole, which provides an element of chemical balance to heat and spice. Crushed leaves give more flavor than whole as these compounds are released more, especially when the leaves are fresh.

Spiritual

This herb has many psychic attributes when it comes to spiritual correlations. Said to boost psychic awareness, sleeping with bay leaves under your pillow can bring about prescient dreams. Burning it as incense can stimulate visions. Write a wish on your bay leaf and then burn it, sending it to the spirit world is another well known practice. If the leaf sparkles & burns brightly then the outcome will be positive. If the leaf refuses to burn or smokes, then the outcome is negative. These leaves are also supposed to be able to fend off evil.

Growing Tips

This sacred herb’s tree has long been used for cooking and considered a holy tree by Romans and Greeks. It grows into a small evergreen bush up to 10m or 30 ft high and 6m wide. The tree can grow up to 60 ft tall in the wild, and designed to be 3-10 ft when cultivated. They are used commonly for topiary shaped into pyramids and look absolutely classy in a pot. Their redolent flowers bloom in spring. Bay leaf trees like well drained soils and shelter from places that are exposed to cold or drying winds.
The plant can be grown in full sun or partial shade, and it can be grown in containers for many years. They can also be shaped easily into horticultural ball or pyramid designs. Trimming them in late summer is best to allow budding trees to grow and build up firmness before you start using the leaves or shaping it. Flowers appear on both male and female plants in bundles of yellow and are followed on female plants by small black and purple berries. Never let bay leaf trees get too dry for a lengthy period. Water your plant two (2) times a week. Large plants in small containers might need daily checking during summer heats.

Word of Caution

While this herb’s leaves are used commonly in preparing a variety of dishes, you need to be vigilant when cooking with the whole bay leaf. It is important to pull it out when you put in stews and sauces to avoid choking on it. The leaf itself can lodge somewhere in your digestive tract if swallowed which can actually cause harm due to the tough nature of it. Although uncommon, some people do have allergic reactions to bay leaf in their food, so it is best to seek medical help if that does occur.

Final Note

When purchasing bay leaves it is best to look for dried ones that are blemish free for easy and long use of the herb. Those with bright green colors and shiny that can twist without tearing are in optimal condition. A delight to see and grow in anyone’s garden, this herb bush is a natural insect repellent as well. This herb is immensely beneficial, and due to this is almost a staple in many kitchens across the world. We encourage you to enjoy a taste of this remarkable plant as well.

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Works Cited

“The Full Wiki.” Bay Leaves – The Full Wiki, www.thefullwiki.org/Bay_leaves.

www.herbco.com/c-132-bay-leaf.aspx.

www.world-foodhistory.com/2014/08/ancient-history-of-bay-leaves.html.

Britannica. EncyclopæDia Britannica, Inc., 2011.

“Bay Leaf.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Apr. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_leaf.